Catalog: Antiques: Decorative Art: Metals: Silver (236)

A lovely set of twelve sterling silver demitasse spoons presented in their original fitted velvet and silk box. The design features a scroll of acanthus leaves along the stem with an asymmetrical shell at the handle. The backs are stamped “Sterling” (prior to 1915), American silver was not required to bear a maker’s mark. The pattern is nearly identical to Knowles’ “King” pattern. The spoons are presented in their original velvet and silk fitted box from Hamilton & Diesinger of Philadelphia (1895-1900).

• Origin: America, ca. 1895
• Condition: spoons are excellent except one which has a tiny ding right at the tip of the bowl; sharp detail; no monogram; box is functional, but has significant wear. One of the 2 latches is broken at the top of the latch.
• Dimensions: spoons, 3-7/16” long
• Weight: 77.2 grams

Sterling silver berry spoon in Whiting's 1891 "Louis XV" pattern. This is the smaller-sized berry spoon, and is appropriate for serving a wide range of side dishes or, of course, berries. The back is marked with Whiting's hallmark and the patent date, indicating that this is an older piece.

Origin: America, circa 1890s. Condition: excellent, sharp details, no monogram. Size: 7-5/8" long.

An extremely rare sterling silver ladle for serving warm alcohol-based punch. The globe-form bowl is the traditional shape for toddy ladles. Today, the ladle could be used for various sauces or beverages such as egg nog—or even a toddy! The straight handle is ornamented with simple turnings before swelling to an olive-shaped terminal decorated with bright-cut floral engraving. The back of the terminal has a period three-letter monogram engraved in a matching style. The inner and outer surfaces of the bowl are heavily stippled and gilt. The back of the handle bears the retailer’s mark “J E Caldwell”. The style indicates this is an early piece of sterling, probably made just after the sterling standard was introduced in America by Tiffany.

Origin: America, ca. 1865. Condition: excellent, all original gilding. Size: 8-3/4” long. Weight: 113.0 grams.

Lovely Victorian bonbon spoon by Gorham in the 1894 “Imperial Chrysanthemum” pattern. The ornate handle is decorated with chrysanthemum blossoms, while the gilt bowl is pierced with a pattern suggesting chrysanthemum foliage. The back of the handle is as ornate at the front. The back is marked with old Gorham hallmark.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, all original including gilding, no monogram. Size: 4-3/4” long. Weight: 20.5 grams.

Very handsome and heavy sterling silver master salt dish in the Georgian style. The flattened spherical body has a modified egg and dart border and is raised on acanthus leaf legs terminating in animal paw feet. Goodnow & Jenks was Boston's finest silversmith, albeit only for a short period, 1893-1905. The bottom is marked with the maker's mark, as well as a partially obscured retailer's mark.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: no dings or deep scratches, light pitting to the interior that can be removed by a light buffing. Size: 2-3/4" diameter; 1-5/8" tall. Weight: 73.5 grams.

Superb ornate Victorian sterling silver soup ladle in the 1882 "Aeolian" pattern by Knowles. This is just a terrific pattern--easily on par with Gorham, Whiting or any of the other great Victorian silversmiths. The handle is ornately decorated with trailing fuchsias and foliage. The bowl is formed as a large leaf with very nice engraved details. The bowl is matte finished for added texture. The back is hallmarked by Knowles.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, no dings, no monogram. Size: 11" long. Weight: 141.0 grams.

Sterling silver berry/serving spoon in Whiting's beautiful 1893 "Imperial Queen" pattern. This is one of the most sought-after patterns by this maker.

Origin: America, ca. 1895. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 7-5/8".

Very heavy sterling silver serving spoon in Dominick & Haff's outstanding 1898 "New King" pattern. This is one of the company's best patterns and is very difficult to find. The reverse is also marked with the retailer's mark for Bailey, Banks & Biddle.

Origin: America, circa 1898. Condition: excellent, sharp details, period monogram "G". Size: 8-5/16" long.

Outstanding sterling silver master salt spoon in a rococo pattern by Gorham. I have not been able to put a name to this assymetrical pattern, although it is very similar to "Marie Antoinette" and "Dresden". The bowl is parcel gilt. The reverse is marked with Gorham's old hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1885. Condition: excellent, gilding intact, crisp details, period mongram "Y". Size: 3-5/8" long.

Very nice sterling silver sugar spoon with a plique-a-jour enamel handle decorated in three shades of translucent enamel. The matte gilt bowl has a rounded spade shape. The twist handle opens into a stained-glass like terminal. Plique-a-jour enameling was usually reserved for more delicate pieces like demitasse spoons, so a sugar spoon is rather uncommon. Unmarked, but probably European.

Ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, original gilding. Size: 5-9/16” long.

Lovely sterling silver ladle with a masque of Bacchus or some other satyr on the end of the handle. Decorative beading outlines the handle and the bowl. The reverse is marked "925 Sterling 1000". Although by an unknown American maker, this piece probably dates to the late 19th century when Gorham, Tiffany and other quality silversmiths were using lots of mythological motifs. No monogram and in excellent condition. 5" long.

Lovely sterling silver sugar tongs in an elegant pattern that seems more Georgian than Victorian. The tongs are of the finest quality and are large enough to be used as bonbon or ice tongs, as well as for sugar. The end has an attractive period “E” monogram. The inside is fully hallmarked for London, 1845-46, and also has the Victoria duty mark. The maker’s mark is “SH/DC”.

Origin: England, 1845. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, period monogram. Size: 5-3/4” long. Weight: 63.0 grams.

A very rare and elegant sterling silver fish server in Whiting's fine 1891 "Louis XV" pattern. The blade retains traces of a very light lemony gilding to protect from the saltiness of fish. The back is marked with Whiting's hallmark alond with the patent date. The server remains in its original box crafted of leather and silk. The inside lid is stamped "G. Seifert/Quebec".

Origin: America, circa 1890s. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, period monogram "AOL"; the leather box has considerable scuffs. Size: 9-1/2" long.

Sterling silver sugar spoon in Whiting's 1891 "Louis XV" pattern. The spade-shaped bowl is slightly scalloped at the neck for decorative appeal. The back is stamped with Whiting's hallmark, the patent date (indicating an older piece) and the retailer's mark "A. Stowell & Co." (Baltimore).

Origin: American, circa 1890s. Condition: excellent, very light wear, no monogram. Size: 6" long.

Elegant sterling silver pickle fork in the 1891 "Corinthian" pattern by the Roger Williams Silver Co. The fork is very heavy and is wonderfully decorated with deep scrolls that rise from the surrounding smooth areas.

Origin: America, 1891-1900. Condition: excellent, no monogram. Size: 6" long.

Very unusual Victorian sterling silver grapefruit spoon with a wonderful plique-a-jour enamel assymetrical handle decorated in six shades of translucent enamel. It is quite unusual for plique-a-jour enamel to have been used on a grapefruit spoon, as it was so fragile that it was usually reserved for more delicate pieces like demitasse spoons. The back is marked with Imperial Austrian marks in use 1866-1922.

Origin: Austria, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, original gilding. Size: 5” long.

Lovely set of 12 sterling silver cocktail or seafood forks by Davis & Galt. The handles are heavily decorated with an unusual repousse paisley pattern. The workmanship is very nice. The backs are hallmarked by the maker and have the retailer’s mark for Bailey, Banks & Biddle.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monograms. Size: 5-15/16” long. Weight: 179.5 grams.

Lovely sterling silver berry or casserole spoon in Towle's 1890 "Albany" pattern. Very Victorian in its styling, the decoration makes good use of delicate flowers, swirling foliage, and a beautifully double-scalloped and matte gilt bowl. The back is marked with Towle's hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1890s. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, period monogram "H"(?). Size: 9-1/8" long.

Large Victorian sterling silver meat serving fork, the tines with matte gilding and bright-cut engraving. The reverse is marked "925 Sterling 1000". Nice weight. Unknown American maker.

Origin: American, circa 1890. Condition: excellent; no monogram. Size: 8-1/8" long.

A lovely Victorian parcel-gilt sterling silver demitasse spoon, the bowl decorated with enameled Easter lilies. The back is marked “Sterling”.

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, original enamel and gilding intact, sharp detail. Size: 3-3/8” long. Weight: 4.5 grams.

Lovely Victorian pickle fork with a mother of pearl handle, a sterling ferule and silverplated tines.

Origin: England, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent. Size: 7-1/4" long.

Six lovely Victorian sterling silver cocktail forks decorated in a pattern of roses and foliage. The backs are also decorated and are hallmarked with a 4-leaf clover, but I cannot identify the maker. They are also marked "Sterling Pat. '92[1892]". Very nice quality.

Origin: America, circa 1892. Condition: excellent; period monogram "CLM". Size: 5-5/8" long.

Ornate sterling silver meat serving fork featuring a heavily scrolled handle with matte-gilt, bright-cut tines. The back is marked "925 Sterling 1000". Many late 19th century silver makers did not otherwise mark their wares.

Origin: America, circa 1890s. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 7-1/2" long.

A nice sterling silver long pickle/olive fork in the "Nautilus" pattern by Blackinton. The handle is ornately decorated with floral and shell motifs. The tines are parcel matte gilt and have foliate decoration at the shoulders to match the handle. The handle is monogrammed "L" on the front and has the date "[18]98" on the back.

Origin: America, 1898. Condition: excellent, original gilding intact, sharp detail. Size: 6-7/8" long. Weight: 14.0 grams.

Sterling silver bonbon spoon in Baker-Manchester’s 1900 “Spartan” pattern. The wonderful design incorporates a knight’s helmet with exuberant feathers and foliage. The matte-finished bowl has both pierced and bright-cut decoration. The reverse is marked with Baker-Manchester’s hallmark and the patent date.

Origin: America, circa 1900. Condition: very good, very light wear, no monogram. Size: 5-1/2” long.

Ornate sterling silver meat serving fork, the handle decorated with shells, scrolls, roses and beads, and the matte-gilded tines decorated with bright cut engraving. The reverse is marked "925Sterlin1000", a marking frequently seen on American sterling silver before silversmith's were required to identify their work.

Origin: America, circa 1895. Condition: excellent, period monogram "G". Size: 7-3/4" long.

Six very nice sterling silver cocktail or seafood forks elegantly decorated on both the front and back sides. The backs are marked "Sterling Pat. Jan. 21 [18]'99". Unknown American maker.

Origin: American, circa 1899. Condition: excellent; no monograms. Size: 5-1/8" long.

A beautiful Victorian sterling silver souvenir spoon from Saratoga Springs, New York. The handle depicts a Native American Chief wearing a feathered war bonnet, his bust surrounded by ears of corn and foliage. The bowl has a design picturing a young Native American man drinking from the natural springs and bears the legend “High Rock Spring Saratoga”. The bowl retains its original gilt surface. The back of the spoon is decorated with a tomahawk, bow and quiver of arrows. The stem is marked sterling and has the hallmark for Howard (1878-1902).

Origin: America, ca. 1890. Condition: near mint. Size: 4-3/16” long. Weight: 11.4 grams.

Lovely Victorian sterling silver pickle fork, the handle decorated with shells and roses. The back is marked "925 Sterling 1000". Prior to 1916, many American silversmiths did not mark their flatware with their names. Unknown maker.

Origin: America, circa 1895. Condition: excellent, no monogram. Size: 5-5/8" long.

A lovely sterling silver powder box by Gorham. The entire body and matching lid are covered in repousse decoration of swirling acanthus leaves. The sides flare out in an elegant curve that is continued in the lid which rises to point in the middle. The bottom is hallmarked with Gorham’s old mark, the pattern number “670” and the date mark for 1890.

Origin: America, 1890. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no dings, original interior gilding, no monogram. Size: 3-5/8” diameter; 3” tall. Weight: 96.5 grams.

Lovely sterling silver berry spoon in Towle's 1894 "Princess" pattern. The handle is heavily decorated with various floral motifs. The matte-gilt bowl is decorated with floral bright-cut engraving. The reverse is marked with Towle's old hallmark and the design patent date.

Origin: America, circa 1890. Condition: near mint, sharp detail, reverse is engraved "Osgood". Size: 7-5/8" long.

Very rare sterling silver individual berry spoon in Whiting's 1891 "Louis XV" pattern. This is a rare form and the unusual broad shape of the bowl matches that shape of the large berry serving spoons. The bowl is lightly gilt. The back is stamped with Whiting's hallmark, the patent date (indicating an older piece) and the retailer's mark "Jacquemin & Co."

Origin: America, circa 1890s. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 5" long.

Sterling silver sugar spoon with very fine decoration of a peacock amidst trailing foliage. The bowl is parcel gilt and is decorated with bright-cut engraving. The reverse is marked "Sterling". Before 1916, many American silversmiths did not mark their name on flatware.

Origin: America, circa 1885. Condition: excellent, period monogram "B" on reverse side. Size: 5-5/8" long.

An elegant sterling silver trumpet vase with an opaque glass liner by either Jenkins or Armiger for F. Bucher & Sons. This silver is ornately decorated wthroses, forget-me-nots, wild roses, chamomiles and daises against a stippled background. Bucher was a retailer who stamped wares with his own mark, even though they were actually made by Jenkins, Armiger, Schofield or other leading Baltimore silversmiths of the day. The treatment of the chamomile blossoms and the use of cyma scrolls in the narrow borders are distinctly similar to Jenkins’ work, but the use of ferns amongst the foliage is more often seen in Armiger’s. The liner is opaque white glass with a translucent pink border at the undulating, flaring rim, and appears to be original. The base is marked “F. Bucher & Sons. Sterling”.

Origin: America, ca. 1900. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Size: 10-3/8” tall. Silver Weight: 161.4 grams.

A gorgeous pair of Victorian sterling silver serving spoons, the handles and bowls amazingly decorated with repousse, chased and engraved designs. The handles are decorated with reserves of winged cherubs hanging garlands of flowers, the reserves surrounded by rococo shell motifs. The stems are decorated with floral garlands leading to the amazing decorative bowls, covered in repousse floral designs. The backs of the handles are as attractive as the fronts and are engraved with a very handsome three-letter monogram. The spoons are fully hallmarked for London, 1894, and bear a script maker’s mark “AB” or “AR”. These spoons are extremely heavy, and are of the absolutely finest quality being produced at the end of the 19th century.

Origin: England, 1894. Condition: excellent, very sharp detail. Size: 8-7/16” long. Weight: 164.0 grams.

Very rare sterling silver oyster ladle in Whiting's classic 1880 "Bead" pattern. The simplicity of the handle decoration is relieved by the ruffled edge of the bowl. It's simplicity enables the pattern to work with a wide range of other American Colonial-inspired patterns. The oyster ladle form is quite rare, as only the most complete silver services ever had such serving pieces. Hallmarked with Whiting's early hallmark and "Pat Appd For" (indicating an early date).

Origin: America, 1880. Condition: excellent, no monogram, sharp detail, a pinpoint ding in the bowl. Size: 10-1/2" long. Weight: 120.0 grams.

Nice sterling silver sugar spoon in Whiting's classic 1880 "Bead" pattern. Whiting's designs are valued because of the small details such as the scalloped edges of the bowl. The reverse is marked with Whiting's old hallmark.

Origin: America, circa 1880s. Condition: excellent, no monogram.

Lovely sterling silver berry spoon dating from the reign of Queen Victoria. The gilt bowl is finely and elegantly decorated with a repousse pattern featuring grapes, pomegranates and apples. Both sides of the handle are decorated with bright-cut floral engraving. Clearly hallmarked for Birmingham, 1870 with the sovereign's head and the maker's mark "FE" in conjoined circles.

Origin: Birmingham, England. Condition: excellent; no monograms or removals. Size: 8-5/8" long.

A magnificent sterling silver claret spoon by Dominick & Haff. This example is strikingly decorated in a pattern representing three different varieties of chrystanthemums. The decoration appears to be loosely based on Dominick & Haff's "#10" pattern, though this is much more ornate. The area around the flowers is intricately pierced in the rococo style. The back bears Dominick & Haff's hallmark and the pattern number "32".

Claret spoons were produced for a short time at the end of the 19th century. Despite being named for the famous red wine, their function really had nothing to do with wine. Small fruits and berries, perhaps soaked in an alcohol or other liquid, were often served from tall, narrow pitchers of cut glass, porcelain or silver. The long claret spoon was used to remove from the fruit from the pitchers. Today, the spoon could be used to serve sangria as well as various desserts based on fresh fruit.

Origin: America, ca. 1980. Condition: nerly mint, period "BBS" monogram. Size: 17" long. Weight: 113.0 grams.

Superb sterling silver tongs in the "Kings" pattern. These are of the finest workmanship, exhibiting crisp detail on a very heavy blank. Fully hallmarked for London, 1842, with the Victoria head duty mark. The maker's mark is "WE" in conjoined circles.

Origin: London, England, 1842. Condition: virtually mint, period monogram "JJ". Size: 6".

Very rare sterling silver fish slice in the 1869 “Tiffany” pattern by Tiffany & Co. The pattern is characterized by a classical simplicity heightened with engraved strapwork in the Persian taste. The entire surface has an unusual matte finish. The pattern was modified slightly in later years and was called “Beekman”. The back is stamped “Tiffany & Co. Sterling Pat. 1869.”

Origin: America, ca. 1870. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no monogram. Size: 12” long. Weight: 134.5 grams.

An elegant first standard (950/1000 pure silver) French silver tastevin in typical 18th century Burgundian style. Rather than with the typical "perles" and fluted "godrons", the bowl of this tastevin is decorated with repousse grape leaves and berries in the 18th century style. This treatment is sometimes seen in tastevins made by Parrod, but the particular decoration is different than any other we've seen. Similarly, the handle, in the form of two duck heads grasping an apple is a very exaggerated variation of the usual form seen on tastevins from Lyon. The base is fully hallmarked and has an unidentified silversmith's mark "M tête grec D".

Origin: France, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 3-3/16" diameter (excluding handle). Weight: 72.3 grams.

A very attractive French silver (1st standard=950/1000 pure silver) tastevin, the bottom inset with a 1785 silver coin showing the bust of King Louis XVI. This tastevin departs slightly from the traditional form, with the fluted “godrons” placed immediately around the coin and the sides finished with very nice repousse decoration of grapes, vines and leaves. The tastevin is finished with a single coiled snake handle. Tastevins set with royal coins seem to have been popular during various times in the 19th century when France was ruled over by a king or emperor. Tastevins with Louis XVI coins are not often encountered, however. The tastevin is stamped with French silver marks and with an unidentified master silversmith mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1860. Condition: excellent. Dimensions: 7.9 x 10.5 cm (3-1/8 x 4-1/8 in). Weight: 105.4 gr.

A classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form and the bottom inset with a silver coin from the reign of Louis XV. The sides of the tastevin are decorated with the traditional raised "perles", recessed "cupules" and elgongated "godrons" for viewing the depth of color in a wine. The coin, dating to 1734, depicts the profile of the king surrounded by the legend "Louis XV, by grace of God, king of France and Navarre." The obverse of the coin, with sharp detail, can be seen from the bottom of the tastevin. The taster is completed with a handle in the form of a pair of snakes grasping an apple. In this example, the snakes' heads are shaped somewhat like ducks' heads, a characteristic of a certain group of tastevins from the Burgundy region. Stamped with an unknown maker's mark with the initials "EE".

Origin: France, ca. 1880. Condition: excellent, sharp detail to the tastevin, typical wear to the front of the coin. Dimensions: 3-1/4" x 4-1/8" x 7/8". Weight: 82.0 grams.

A lovely first standard (950/1000) silver tastevin, the bottom inset with a 1658 silver coin depicting the youthful image of Louis XIV surrounded by text translated as "Louis XIV, by grace of God, King of France and Navarre." The sides of the tastevin a decorated with clusters of grapes and elegantly curved godrons in the style typical of Orfevre Parrod. Coin inserts, however, are unusual in Parrod tastevins. The handle is worked in a simplified snake motif typical of Dijon. The handle is stamped with Parrod's hallmark.

Origin: France, ca. 1850. Dimensions: 2-9/16" diameter (excluding handle). Weight: 59.3 gr.

A very nice Imperial Russian enameled silver spoon by Gustav Klingert. The bowl is beautifully decorated in five shades of opaque cloisonné enamels and in translucent red and amethyst. The design I modified floral pattern with a Persian-style reserve. The handle is finished in a fish-scale enameled pattern. Exposed areas of silver are stippled and gilt. The interior of the bowl is engraved “Moscow”, indicating that the spoon was sold as a souvenir to an American or English visitor. The handle is fully hallmarked with the city mark for Moscow and Klingert’s maker’s mark. The date mark is obscured, but the assay master Lev Oleks was active only between 1890 and 1896.

Origin: Moscow, 1890-96. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage, gilding intact. Size: 4-7/32” long. Weight: 15.9 grams.

An elegant second standard (800/1000 pure silver) French tastevin. The bowl is engraved with repousse grape clusters and leaves in the 18th century style, but also with the more traditional raised “perles” and “coupules” seen in 19th century examples. The combination of the two is quite unusual. The handle is in the form of two snakes grasping an apple between their jaws—an element thought to stem from the Garden of Eden and intended to remind drinkers of temptation. The tastevin bears regional hallmarks for second standard silver and an unknown maker’s mark (J ancre de marine P). The pinpoint in the bottom of the bowl is a lathe-mark and suggests a date of the mid-19th century at the latest. The rim is engraved with the name of the original owner, “Ane [Antoine] Mouly-Chambon de Chas.”

• Origin: France, Burgundy region, ca 1840
• Condition: excellent
• Dimensions: 3-1/8” x 4-1/4” x 1-5/32”
• Weight: 118.4 grams

A superb late 19th century first standard (950/1000 pure) silver berry spoon with a shell-form gilt bowl. These spoons were originally intended for serving strawberries. The front of the handle is decorated with a twisting wreath of holly leaves and berries, and the back with a similar wreath of thistles. The bowl is beautifully worked in the shape of a scallop shell. Improvements in agriculture and railways made strawberries widely available to the wealthy classes in the 1870s. Special implements such as this were needed to compete the experience. Today, it could be used for any sort of desert or even hors d’oeuvres. The spoon is stamped with French silver marks and with an illegible maker’s mark. The quality of workmanship is easily on par with the great makers such as Odiot and Puiforcat.

• Origin: France, ca. 1880.
• Dimensions: 8-3/4” long.
• Condition: mint; gilding completely intact.
• Weight: 99.5 grams.

A lovely pair of imperial Russian spoons, the backs of the bowls decorated with finely engraved scenes depicting portions of the Arsenal and the State Historical Museum on Moscow’s Red Square. The handles are finished in the traditional twist motif. The surfaces are gilt, and the engraving is worked through the gilding in some areas and more lightly in others, allowing a nice contrast of colors within the design. Each is fully hallmarked for Moscow, dated 1889 and with the maker’s mark for Ivan Alexeyev (1876-1912).

Origin: Moscow, 1889. Condition: excellent, gilding intact. Size: 5” long. Weight: 27.2 grams (the pair).

An outstanding Restoration period French silver wine taster in the 18th century style typical of Lyon. With the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy, many old styles from the ancien regime once again came into fashion, and this tastevin, building on decorative elements typical of the 1770's, is a perfect example. Tastevins with snake-form handles were particularly popular. Those with a pair of snake heads that somewhat resemble bird's heads flanking a sphere are typical of silver from Lyon. The punchwork decoration of grape clusters surrounded the bowl is also a typical 18th century design. The tastevin is completely handmade and was raised on a lathe in the traditional method, as is evidenced by the pinprick in the middle of the bowl and the remnants of hammer marks. The outer rim is engraved "F. Porcheret-Billard". Stamped with 2nd standard "tete de Minverve" hallmarks.

Origin: France, ca. 1840. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Size: 3-1/2" diameter, excluding handle. Weight: 113.4 grams.

A classic 19th century French second standard (800/1000 pure silver) silver tastevin of traditional form and the bottom inset with a silver coin from the reign of Louis XV. The sides of the tastevin are decorated with the traditional raised “perles,” recessed “cupules,” and elongated “godrons” for assessing the depth of color and concentration of a wine. The coin, dating to 1732, depicts the profile of the king surrounded by the Latin inscription “Louis XV, by grace of God, king of France and Navarre.” The taster is completed with an especially fine double-snake handle. While double snakes are the traditional handle form for Burundian tastevins, the pretzel-like shape and the realistic appearance of the entwined snakes is a most unusual treatment. The handle and bowl are stamped with French 2nd standard silver hallmarks and the bowl also has an unidentified master silversmith's mark.

• Origin: France, ca. 1880.
• Condition: very good; a small ding to one side of the bowl; typical wear to the front of the coin; reverse side of the coin has sharp detail.
• Dimensions: 2-13/16” x 3-5/8” x 3/4".
• Weight: 56.4 grams.

A beautiful enameled silver patch or pill box by Nicholai Alexeyev. The hinged box is fully covered with enamels worked in shades of opaque white, aqua, periwinkle and royal blue, accented with translucent red and green. The cover and bottom are worked in a stylized starburst pattern, while the sides feature floral banding flanked by traditional triangular and dotted patterns. Exposed areas of silver are stippled and lightly gilt. The interior is also gilt. The interior of the body and lid are marked with the Moscow city mark, the 88 standard, and the maker’s mark for Nicholai Alexeyev. The lid closes securely and can be used as a functional pill box, if desired.

Origin: Moscow, ca. 1890. Condition: excellent, no enamel damage. Size: 2-1/8” diameter; 1” high. Weight: 53.0 grams.

A fine mid-19th century French silver tastevin (wine taster), the base inset with an 1810 Italian silver coin from the reign of Emperor Napoleon I as King of Italy. The bottom edge of the bowl is decorated with curved, scalloped "godrons" which were intended to reflect light through white wine to judge clarity. This tastevin does not have the "cupules" ("ovoides") specifically intended to deepen the color of red wines. The sides are decorated with grapevines and clusters of fruit. The handle is formed as a coiled serpent--as style particularly popular in Burgundy. The whole is raised on a circular ropetwist foot. Napoleonic coins are rarely seen in tastevins, and this piece probably dates to the Second Empire when Napoleonic items were viewed with some nostalgia. Fully hallmarked.

Origin: France, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent, sharp detail. Size: 3" diameter excluding handle. Weight: 72.3 grams.

A classic 19th century 2nd standard (800/1000 pure silver) tastevin, inset at the base with a 1669 coin bearing the likeness of King Louis XIV surrounded by "Louis XIV by grace of God King of France and Navarre." The obverse of the coin can be seen from the bottom of the tastevin. The coin is surrounded by the typical pattern of "perles" and elongated "godrons" designed to create reflections in the wine to better judge its color and clarity. The handle is formed as a pair of intertwined snakes grasping an apple in their mouths as an allusion to the Garden of Eden. The tastevin is stamped with French silver marks and with an illegible maker's mark.

• Origin: France, ca 1840.
• Conditions: very good; a slight flattening to the rim opposite the handle; coin has significant wear as expected of a 350 year-old coin.
• Dimensions: 3-3/8 xx 4-1/4" x 7/8".
• Weight: 95.0 grams.

A very fine 12-piece set of gilt silver and mother of pearl dessert, fruit or cheese knives presented in their original fitted box. The tapered mother of pearl handles are tipped with silver finials and ferules decorated in a Louis XVI-style ribbon and reed motif. Most similar sets have plated blades, but these are silver. The silver is gilt, a process that is decorative, but also serves to prevent corrosion from the salts in cheeses which were often served in France as a dessert course. The gilding has faded to a very nice, light lemony color. The interior lid of the velvet- and silk-lined box is marked by the maker, “J. Fayard/Fabricant Orfèvre Joaillier/St Etienne”.

Origin: France, ca. 1860. Condition: knives are excellent, no dings, no cracks, normal fading of the gilding; the box shows considerable wear and has a slightly warped lid. Size: 7-1/2” long.

Extremely elegant Louis XV-style French silver master salt dip with cobalt glass liners. The shapes of the containers remind me of Louis XV bombe commodes. The repousse design is very architectural in nature, and makes use of numerous decorative elements such as fluted columns, ribbons, cartouches, and pendant bellflowers. Surprisingly, none of the four cartouches has ever been monogrammed. Although intended for salt only, this piece could be used today to serve both salt and pepper. The server is marked with the Paris 1st standard hallmark for 950 silver (purer than sterling silver) and an unidentified maker’s mark “R&D”. The cobalt liners are of very high quality crystal and might possibly be the work of Baccarat.

Origin: Paris, circa 1860. Condition: excellent, sharp detail, no dings, no monogram. Size: 5-1/4” long; 1-3/4” wide; 4-1/2” tall.

A delightful early 19th century French silver tastevin featuring a 1770 Louis XV coin and a wonderfully decorated handle. The handle decoration depicts a man seated atop a wine barrel grasping a wine bottle in one hand and a Cupid's arrow in the other. The design is completed with the legend "Vive l'amour et le vin" ("Long live love and wine."). This type of handle was developed in the early 1700s and was used mostly in the Burgundy region. The use of real silver coins as a decorative element is seen in tastevins dating from the mid-1700s onwards. The handle is stamped with 19th century hallmarks.

Origin: France, ca. 1840. Condition: excellent; 2 pinpoints to the bowl and a slight ding along the edge opposite the handle. Dimensions: 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 x 7/8 inches. Weight: 95.0 grams.

A classic 19th century French silver tastevin of traditional form and the bottom inset with a silver coin from the reign of Louis XV. The sides of the tastevin are decorated with the traditional raised "perles" and recessed "cupules" for viewing the depth of color in a wine. The coin, dating to 1726, depicts the profile of the king surrounded by the legend "Louis XV, by grace of God, king of France and Navarre." The reverse of the coin can be seen from the bottom of the tastevin. The taster is completed with a handle in the form of a single coiled snake. Stamped with an illegible maker's mark.

Origin: France, ca. 1850. Condition: excellent, sharp detail to the tastevin, typical wear to the coin. Dimensions: 3-5/16" x 4-5/16" x 1". Weight: 95.4 grams.

A tour-de-force first standard (950/1000 pure silver) tastevin by silversmith Stanislas Pollet celebrating Napoleon’s great victory at the Battle of Wagram. The tastevin is inset with a Napoleonic silver medal surrounded by fleur-de-lis engraving. The outer edges are enhanced with ornate strapwork (a technique particularly mastered by Pollet) depicting fleur-de-lis and acanthus leaves. The entire design is set off with a pair of magnificently cast and engraved dolphins forming the handle.

Napoleon, never particularly known as a shrinking violet, enjoyed commissioning medals from the Paris Mint to celebrate his victories and various life landmarks. The front of the medal (showing from the top of the tastevin) depicts the river god of the Danube being forced by the Emperor to carry a wooden pontoon bridge laden with French cannons over the river towards the Imperial Austrian capital, Vienna. The Latin inscription translates as, “Danubius, indignant at the breach/Battle of Essling/May 22, 1809.” The reverse (showing from the bottom of the tastevin) depicts the French army marching across the bridge at Wagram, urged on by the goddess of Victory carrying a laurel wreath and pointing the way. The inscription translates as, “Again crossing at the same place/July 5, 1809.” The Battle of Essling was the first defeat of the French army under Napoleon’s direct control, but that fact is obscured by combining it with the Battle of Wagram, just forty-four days later. This latter battle was one of the emperor’s greatest victories and was the largest battle in European history up to that time. The medal was created at the Paris Mint by the medalist Nicolas-Guy-Antoine-Brenet under the supervision of Baron Dominique Vivant Denon, who was Napoleon’s artistic director and to whom the emperor entrusted the Louvre after turning it into a museum. A single copy of the medal was struck in gold for Napoleon’s personal collection. Silver medals were given as gifts to the emperor’s friends and diplomats and bronze versions were available to those of lower rank.

• Origin: France, 1899-1903
• Condition: excellent, sharp detail
• Dimensions: 3-1/2” x 4-5/8” x 1-1/4”
• Weight: 201.4 grams

Lovely Louis XVI style sterling silver fish slice. The elegant spade-shaped matte vermeil blade is engraved with the crossed quiver and torch design originally popular in the late 18th century. The blade and handle are marked by the maker, Pot & Cie., and the handle is marked with a French silver hallmark.

Origin: France, ca. 1890. Condition: very good; a bit of discoloration on the blade and very light wear on the handle. Size: 12-1/2" long.